St. Louis Cardinals Farm System: The Cardinals’ farm system is surging with breakout bats, high-octane arms, and a wave of upside talent—from JJ Wetherholt to Liam Doyle—that’s reshaping its long-term outlook.

🥇 Tier 1: Fantasy Impact Targets

• JJ Wetherholt – Elite hit tool, OBP monster, plus speed. Could be a .300 hitter with 20+ steals and top-of-the-order production. Immediate fantasy relevance.
• Liam Doyle – Swing-and-miss lefty with a deceptive splitter. Could be a high-strikeout SP2 if he stays healthy.
• Joshua Baez – 20–50 season speaks for itself. If the contact gains hold, he’s a fantasy unicorn with power/speed upside few can match.

🥈 Tier 2: Everyday-Upside Targets

• Tink Hence – He’s athletic with a top-of-the-rotation arsenal.  His problem has been staying on the field.
• Rainiel Rodriguez – Offensive catcher with zone control and bat speed. If he sticks behind the plate, he’s a rare fantasy asset.
• Jesus Baez – Bat speed and power projection are real. If he controls the zone, he could be a 20+ HR infielder with run production.
• Ryan Mitchell – Toolsy prep bat with power/speed foundation. Long runway, but center field profile could pop.
• Yairo Padilla – Plus defender with bat-to-ball skills and speed. Needs strength, but could be an impact contributor.

To see the list, click here.

Pittsburgh Pirates Farm System: The Pirates’ farm system is headlined by Konnor Griffin—the No. 1 prospect in baseball—and backed by a mix of high-ceiling talent, volatile power-speed profiles, and emerging arms that offer both promise and risk.

🥇 Tier 1: Fantasy Impact Targets

• Konnor Griffin – 20–40 upside with elite tools and improving contact. A future fantasy star.
• Bubba Chandler – Athletic righty with top-30 SP potential. Arsenal remains strong despite command hiccups.
• Edward Florentino – 30-HR power and 35-SB speed. If the contact holds, he’s a fantasy monster.

🥈 Tier 2: Everyday-Upside Targets

• Termarr Johnson – OBP machine with 15+ HR and 12+ SB potential. Quietly productive across formats.
• Seth Hernandez – 100 MPH fastball and starter traits. Long runway, but top-30 SP ceiling if it clicks.
• Hunter Barco – Mid-rotation lefty with improved velocity and secondaries. Tough angles and matchup value.
• Keiner Delgado – Speed, contact, and emerging pop. If the swing decisions improve, he’s a fantasy MI with upside.
• Yordanny De Los Santos – Power-speed threat with swing-and-miss risk. Could be a Top 15 fantasy 3B.

To see the list, click here.

Milwaukee Brewers Farm System: The Brewers’ system blends high-upside international talent like Jesus Made and Luis Peña with polished college bats and sneaky pitching depth – forming a versatile, fantasy-relevant pipeline built on athleticism, bat speed, and developmental trust.

🥇 Tier 1: Fantasy Impact Targets

• Jesus Made – Explosive bat speed, advanced approach, and superstar traits. If the hit tool holds, he’s a fantasy force.
• Luis Pena – 70-runner with bat speed and emerging pop. He’s a potential impact fantasy player with 30+ SB upside.
• Jeferson Quero – Hit-first catcher with zone control and leverage. If he stays behind the plate, he’s a rare fantasy asset.

🥈 Tier 2: Everyday-Upside Targets

• Andrew Fischer – Plus raw power and elite OBP skills. Could be a Top 15 1B with Rhys Hoskins vibes.
• Cooper Pratt – High-floor shortstop with contact, speed, and developing power. Underrated contributor with 12–15 HR/20+ SB potential.
• Braylon Payne – 70-grade speed and athleticism. Long-term leadoff threat if the bat comes around.
• Bishop Letson – Sinker slider pitcher who doesn’t throw particularly hard, but nothing he throws is straight.

To see the list, click here.

Cincinnati Reds Farm System: The Reds’ system is rich in athleticism and upside, but injuries, approach risk, and role uncertainty make 2026 a critical year for distinguishing between impact talent and developmental depth.

🥇 Tier 1: Fantasy Impact Targets

• Sal Stewart – Elite zone control, developing power, and high OBP skills. Quietly tracking toward a near All-Star ceiling at 1B.
• Cam Collier – 25-HR upside with strong OBP traits. If the strikeouts stabilize and power returns, he’s a productive corner bat.
• Alfredo Duno – Plus power and defensive value. If the contact holds, he’s a Top 15 fantasy catcher in the making.

🥈 Tier 2: Everyday-Upside Targets

• Steele Hall – 80-speed and emerging power. Contact risk is real, but the tools are loud and fantasy-relevant.
• Tyson Lewis – Explosive swing, elite speed, and raw power. Wide range of outcomes, but star upside if the approach improves.
• Rhett Lowder – Strong pitch mix led by a plus changeup. If the delivery stabilizes, he’s a solid SP3 with upside.
• Aaron Watson – Power arsenal with swing-and-miss traits. If the command comes, he’s a top-of-the-rotation candidate.
• Hector Rodriguez – Above-average power and speed. If the approach sharpens, he’s a 15/15 OF with fantasy juice.

To see the list, click here.

Chicago Cubs Farm System: The Cubs system offers a wide spectrum of outcomes, with a few everyday-caliber bats and changeup-driven arms at the top, followed by a deep pool of developmental bets, role-player profiles, and high-variance upside that will require patience to sort out.

🥇 Tier 1: Fantasy Impact Targets

• Moises Ballesteros – Elite contact skills with emerging power. If loft comes, he’s a Top 15 bat at C/1B/DH.

🥈 Tier 2: Everyday-Upside Targets

• Owen Caissie – 70-grade raw power with OBP skills. If contact improves, he’s a 30-HR threat.
• Jefferson Rojas – Athletic middle infielder with bat speed and contact skills. Solid foundation with 15/15 upside.
• James Triantos – High-contact, plus-speed contributor with multi-positional eligibility. Sneaky fantasy value if loft develops.
• Cristian Hernandez – Reworked swing and 70-grade speed. Trending toward a rebound with Top 15 2B upside.
• Jaxon Wiggins – Power arsenal and swing-and-miss stuff. If command holds, he’s a mid-rotation starter with fantasy juice.
• Ethan Conrad – Power bat. If the approach tightens post-surgery, he’s a Top 15 1B candidate.

To see the list, click here.

Nacho Alvarez, 2B/3B, ATL (CBS: 2% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)

Austin Riley is still dealing with discomfort and isn’t ready to come back from his abdominal strain. Alvarez has four RBIs in his last five games and should get a steady amount of at-bats until Riley returns. How can you not like a guy named “Nacho”?

Dylan Beavers, OF, BAL (CBS: 21% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

We all knew that Dylan Beavers would be arriving in Baltimore, but we didn’t know when. Now we do, and the sooner the better as the O’s begin to set up their ’26 lineup. Just in: Sam Basallo will be joining Beavers in Baltimore after his promotion this morning.

Owen Caissie, OF, CHC (CBS: 28% rostered, ESPN: 3% rostered)

In 348 at-bats at Triple-A, the young Canuck hit 22 homers and drove in 52 runs with a .947 OPS. The potential is very high, but be careful because the path to regular at-bats in Chicago is quite crowded. Let’s hope the mighty Casey doesn’t strike out.

Cristian Javier, SP, HOU (CBS: 55% rostered, ESPN: 20% rostered)

It looked like a tough 2025 debut for Javier, facing the streaking Boston Red Sox, but he was ready for the challenge, holding them to two earned runs over five innings while striking out five batters to earn the win. Mark him on the schedule for every fifth day as the season progresses.

Kyle Karros, 3B, COL (CBS: 10% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

The Rockies are starting the 2026 auditions and Kyle Karros (called up August 8) should be part of their plans. Let’s see what Rich Wilson has to say about the youngster.

“Kyle Karros was the Rockies’ fifth-round pick in 2023.  He had a solid season in 2024, slashing .311/.390/.485 with 15 home runs and 12 stolen bases.  Avista Stadium in Spokane, WA, has always played as a hitter’s park despite having huge, foul territory and deep fences.  Players usually correct from Avista Stadium to Hartford, where the Rockies’ Double-A affiliate is located.

Karros doesn’t strike out as much despite a long swing as his size and swing would suggest (23% strikeout rate). He also has the frame to put on more weight and eventually develop above-average, if not plus, power. He likely has to move to first base, which will put pressure on his bat, but there are some intriguing raw skills here.”

Jordan Lawlar, 2B/SS, ARZ (CBS: 35% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

Lawlar still needs to complete a rehab stint, but he’s nearing readiness. The trade of Eugenio Suarez to the M’s has opened up a vacancy at the hot corner that seems perfect for Lawlar.

Nolan McLean, SP, NYM (CBS: 37% rostered, ESPN: 13% rostered)

The Mets have been in freefall since the break and DFA’d Paul Blackburn. Who will get the call to fill the vacancy in the Mets’ rotation? Will it be Brandon Sproat? Possibly Jonah Tong? No, Nolan McLean gets the call—and for good reason. In 13 starts at Triple-A, he posted a 2.99 ERA with more than a strikeout per inning. He made his debut yesterday, tossing 5 1/3 shutout innings against a tough opponent in the Mariners, striking out eight for good measure. Next up, the Braves in Atlanta.

Luis Morales, SP, ATH (CBS: 6% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

The big question was whether Morales would go deep enough into games to qualify for wins and earn a spot in our Fantasy rotations. After yesterday’s five-inning (87-pitch) outing and the W, that question has been answered.

Jack Perkins, SP, OAK (CBS: 16% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

Perkins has now scored back-to-back wins with a strikeout per inning. His next start is against the Twins and Jose Urena. I believe the odds are good he’ll extend that streak to three consecutive wins.

Bob Seymour, 1B, TBR (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)

Bob Seymour was having a strong season at Triple-A Durham with 30 homers and 87 RBI over 403 at-bats. He received the call on Friday and should get plenty of playing time as the DH. If you’re aiming to increase those power numbers, a small bid can give you the chance to see more action.

Colby Thomas, OF, ATH (CBS: 7% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

Thomas played sparingly when first called up but is starting to see regular at-bats. When you go 7-for-14 in your past four games with two homers, seven RBI, and a stolen base you should be playing every day.

Taijuan Walker, SP, PHI (CBS: 21% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered)

Walker has quietly been delivering strong performances, with three straight quality starts and allowing just five earned runs over his last four games (23 2/3 IP). The Phillies will need Taijuan Walker to pitch effectively every fifth day, especially after the news that blood clots will keep Zach Wheeler on the sidelines indefinitely.

JJ Wetherholt, SS, STL (CBS: 26% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

Nine home runs in his first 95 Triple-A at-bats, along with a 1.058 OPS, look really impressive on Wetherholt’s resume. Enough so that he should be getting “the call” any day.

Closer Report

Bryan Abreu, RP, HOU (CBS: 59% rostered, ESPN: 29% rostered)

The Astros will miss Josh Hader, and it seems it will be until the playoffs, at best. Bryan Abreu steps into the closer role and is more than capable of handling it. This situation is why you should save some of that FAAB.

Justin Topa, RP, MIN (CBS: 8% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

The Twins may not win many games late in the season, but when theyhave the lead in the ninth inning, Justin Topa is the first pitcher they call.

Samuel Basallo, C, BAL (CBS: 33% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered);  Dylan Beavers, OF, BAL (CBS: 12% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

GM Mike Elias has suggested that it would be advantageous for both Basallo and Beavers to get playing time in Baltimore in 2025. A low-cost bid now could result in having both players on your roster by September. The numbers clearly show why.

Cade Cavalli, SP, WAS (CBS: 19% rostered, ESPN: 2% rostered)

It was a long wait between starts for Cavalli, but he took advantage of the opportunity, tossing 4 1/3 shutout innings with six strikeouts in his debut this week against the A’s. That high-90s fastball did the job, and here’s hoping for more of the same this week when he faces Kansas City and the Phillies in a two-start week.

Isaac Collins, OF, MIL (CBS: 27% rostered, ESPN: 6% rostered)

Over the last seven days, the one homer, seven RBIs, and a 1.270 OPS have really been a boost to a team missing Jackson Chourio. For at least the next few weeks, Collins will be consistently getting at-bats until Chourio’s return, and so far he’s rising to the challenge.

Heriberto Hernandez, OF, MIA (CBS: 4% rostered, ESPN: not rostered)

Jesus Sanchez has moved to the Astros, opening up an opportunity in Miami and providing an early 2026 audition for the 25-year-old Hernandez. Over the past week, Hernandez has hit two homers, driven in six runs, and posted a .368 BA over 19 at-bats. That’s solid production that shouldn’t be overlooked.

Luke Keaschall, 2B, MIN (CBS: 53% rostered, ESPN: 13% rostered)

Keaschall isn’t quite ready to return from his rehab stint but isn’t far off. Spending a dollar or two now is a solid plan.” We were close last week, as Keaschall returned on Tuesday and had a pretty good week, going 7-for-17 with a home run and eight RBIs. Last week he was cheap. This week, it will cost.

Brad Lord, SP, WAS (CBS: 6% rostered, ESPN: 1% rostered)

In his last three starts against Houston, Milwaukee, and San Francisco (16 IP), Lord has allowed a total of five earned runs. A small bet is in order to see if he can keep his successful streak going.

Kyle Manzardo, 1B, CLE (CBS: 39% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered)

Over the past three weeks, Manzardo has hit three home runs, driven in 13 runs, and achieved an impressive 1.116 OPS. He now has 18 homers in 320 at-bats. That’s strong production from a player who is currently rostered in only 39% of CBS Leagues.

Jakob Marsee, OF, MIA (CBS: 29% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered)

If the start of the week didn’t grab your attention, then the end of the week and those three thefts Saturday night should have.

Hurston Waldrep, SP, ATL (CBS: 15% rostered, ESPN: 5% rostered)

It’s a great chance for a young pitcher to show his talent on the big stage, and so far, Waldrep has done well. Two starts, two wins, and just two earned runs. Think of this as an early 2026 audition, and so far, he’s passing the test.

Closer Report

Hunter Gaddis, RP, CLE (CBS: 15% rostered, ESPN: 7% rostered)

The assumption was that Cade Smith would take over the vacant closer role in Cleveland, and for the most part, he has, but Hunter Gaddis is also sharing the ninth-inning workload with two saves in his last four appearances. If it’s not a committee, it’s close enough that Hunter Gaddis deserves a spot in your starting nine.

A new closer report representing all the changes at the trade deadline is now available.  It can be found here.